Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, hypertension, and fibromyalgia were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial compensable rating (level I) for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board found no in-service injury or disease related to the claimed back and left elbow disabilities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for hypertension, denied service connection for right and left carpal tunnel syndrome as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and denied service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's hypertension, which was first diagnosed in August 2009 and has been well-controlled with medication since then, does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating prior to May 5, 2015. Since May 5, 2015, his blood pressure readings have consistently been within the range that warrants a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides caused his hypertension and stroke, which contributed substantially or materially to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues being inextricably intertwined with increased rating claims and a TDIU claim. The Veteran is required to complete VA Form 21-8940 for his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claims for reopening her hypertension and drug reaction compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 are being remanded due to the failure to obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and cataracts are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has been rated at 40 percent since September 29, 2015. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities meeting the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and proliferative diabetic bilateral retinopathy remain on appeal. The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for further development, including consideration of new evidence and a VA examination. The appeal will be returned to the Board after this additional review.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and it is not shown to be related to service or proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the March 2015 remand instructions and thus, another remand is required to obtain complete copies of the Veteran's personnel records and verify all periods of service. Additionally, a supplemental opinion is needed for both the low back disorder and hypertension issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, bilateral hearing loss, and proliferative diabetic bilateral retinopathy remain on appeal. The case is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has scheduled the Veteran for a travel board hearing, but the Veteran requested an in-person hearing. The case is being remanded to accommodate this request.

The Board has not determined the merits of any service connection claims as they are pending before it. The Veteran's claims for residuals of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, sinus disorder, and tinnitus have been reopened due to new evidence received since their last denial in 2010. However, the Board has not found any service connection as they are not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.